every beginner sailor needs to learn the points of sailing- that is how to set your sails depending on the direction of the wind. when the direction you want to go is directly upwind you can't get there in a straight line but with the jib and mainsail pulled in tightly you can zigzag or tact upwind. on the open sea it may be a rough ride but definitely doable. this point is known as a close reach or close hauled. if your boat heels too much better to slacken the sails to avoid capsizing.
now if instead the direction you want to go is perpendicular to the wind you are in luck. for most traditional boats without a spinnaker this is the fastest point and generally is a much smoother ride. ease both sails out to about a 45 degree angle and zip right along on a beam reach.
if your course is off the wind, from an angle behind ease out the sails even more and enjoy the smooth ride. this is a broad reach and for some boats it can be even faster than a beam reach. it's a very relaxing way to go and fast too. it's the stuff they make romantic songs and movies about.
but if you need to sail with the wind directly behind you then the going can be so slow that you may start to get bored and wish you could do something else. unless of course you have a spinnaker but that is not for beginners and i don't have time to get into that because...
...because i have to wash the windows now
happy hunting
